Disposable video laryngoscope with fluid spray system

ABSTRACT

A disposable video laryngoscope includes a novel internal liquid jet spray. This laryngoscope is designed so that the user may utilize either the video mode in which the image is displayed on an external screen, or the device may be used in the same manner as a direct laryngoscope. If the device is used in video mode, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is placed within a camera housing so as to prevent or reduce fogging of the lens. The device includes an internal spray mechanism that may receive liquid through a luer-connection interface such as is used with syringes or IV tubing systems and that directs a spray onto a fogged or occluded lens to restore vision.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/352,723, filed Mar. 13, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a disposable video laryngoscope that contains an internal liquid jet delivery system that the user may utilize to optimize the view. The device is designed so that it may also be used in either video mode or as a direct laryngoscope. When used in video mode, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is placed within a camera housing so as to prevent or reduce fogging of the lens. The device includes an internal spray mechanism that may receive liquid through a luer-connection interface such as is used with syringes or IV tubing systems and that directs a spray onto a fogged or occluded lens to restore vision.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous medical scenarios in which a patient must be externally ventilated in order to provide oxygenation. The delivery of the oxygen may be accomplished through the use of an endotracheal tube. An endotracheal tube is inserted into the throat after the patient is sedated and then sometimes chemically paralyzed for a short length of time, in a procedure known as endotracheal intubation. An endoscope is typically used to clear the passageway sufficiently to allow insertion of the tube. Typically, this is done by placing the blade against the tongue at the rear of the mouth and, while moving the tongue to the side, is leveraged to hold (compress) the tongue and throat tissue sufficiently to create an open passageway. This procedure requires the operator to move at an accelerated pace and under great pressure as a patient who is sedated and chemically paralyzed is unable to initiate respirations unassisted.

As medical advancements have continued in this field over the last few decades, a type of laryngoscopy has emerged known as the video laryngoscopy. This camera-based system allows the operator to quickly identify the proper anatomy displayed on an external screen which is needed in order to be successful in this procedure. However, these systems differ in their design and function from the gold standard of teaching endotracheal intubation which is by use of direct laryngoscopy. Many of the video laryngoscope systems are designed to include a hyper-angulated blade system that requires the use of specialized stylets which are placed into endotracheal tubes. This requires additional training and familiarity with video-based systems which may vary in each institution and which may also include the need to purchase specialized stylets. In addition, if the video function fails then the entire video laryngoscope system must be abandoned as most are designed to operate solely in video mode. This poses disadvantages to the operator, the patient, and the purchasing party of the medical equipment as valuable time may be lost during this procedure by unskilled operators, and additional costs may be incurred by the purchaser who is required to also purchase specialized stylets.

Another disadvantage of many video laryngoscopy systems stems from the risk of unintended spread of infectious disease amongst patients. For example, endotracheal intubation can at times be an uncleanly procedure in which the operator and the operator's equipment are exposed to various bodily fluids. This equipment may be cleaned and sterilized to a certain degree but if improper technique is utilized or the pathogen causing infectious disease is resistant to the method of cleaning, then subsequent patients are clearly at risk for spread of said infectious disease.

Yet another disadvantage that operators of traditional video laryngoscopes face is that the camera lens may easily be obscured by bodily fluids or by fogging during the procedure. Certain instances such as providing medical support on the battlefield or during prehospital care with paramedics may present unique situations in which the visual field of a video laryngoscope can become obstructed. In the event of an obscured view, the operator is required to remove the intubating device from the patient's oropharynx, clean the lens, re-oxygenate the patient, and then attempt to locate the appropriate anatomy again. This may add more time for the procedure while the patient's level of oxygenation decreases, and the patient's status will continue to decompensate further. This process, therefore, is not ideal as many attempts may be required in order to achieve a successful endotracheal intubation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a video laryngoscope having a design that is similar to traditional direct laryngoscopes to reduce additional training of staff.

It is another object of the invention to provide a video laryngoscopy system at is disposable and will thereby reduce the spread of infectious disease by eliminating the recurrent use of video laryngoscopes that may have residual contamination.

It is a further object of the invention to create a video laryngoscope that does not require the use of specialized stylets.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a video laryngoscope that contains an integral system to clean and de-fog its imaging apparatus so that adequate visualization is maintained at all times.

The video laryngoscope of this invention is modeled after the direct laryngoscope which provides an operator the flexibility and comfort of using a singular technique for endotracheal intubation awhile simultaneously having the capability of using direct visualization or the ability to utilize a camera for a digital image.

When used in video mode, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is placed within a camera housing so as to prevent or reduce fogging of the lens. The device includes an internal spray mechanism that may receive liquid through a luer-connection interface such as is used with syringes or IV tubing systems and that directs a spray onto a fogged or occluded lens to restore vision.

In an embodiment, the laryngoscope is built as a single unit that does not require the assembly of components and is designed to be single use only. The preassembly of the laryngoscope allows for reduced time needed for preparation for this procedure and eliminates the risk of missing components. The disposable nature of the device reduces the burden on facility resources and removes the risk of unintended spread of disease among subsequent patient encounters with the device. In other embodiments, the head and handle may be separate units that are combined for use such that a single handle containing a liquid reservoir, or an electronic module and battery may be used with any number of disposable heads.

To help optimize visualization, the laryngoscope includes a liquid jet spraying system to clean the camera lens with a small amount of liquid solution while the device is within the oropharynx. The internal liquid channel within the device is narrow so as to require minimal pressure from the operator and to minimize the amount of liquid needed to clean the lens. These narrow channels are connected by secure rubber tubing and are positioned so that the device will not leak fluid when positioned upright. The liquid jet is sprayed from beneath the camera itself without obstruction of view.

Further features and advantages of this device will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric right view of the laryngoscope of this invention depicted in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the laryngoscope of this invention taken along sectional line A-A of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 3 is an isometric, left rear view of the laryngoscope of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the laryngoscope of this invention showing sectional line A-A.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the distal end of the handle of the laryngoscope of this invention taken along sectional line A-A showing the luer-fitting connector.

FIG. 6 is an isometric right view of the laryngoscope of this invention depicted in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is an enlarged image of the end of the blade in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 shows internal detail of the housing component of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is a right side sectional elevational view of another embodiment of the laryngoscope of this invention showing internal components.

FIG. 10 is a right side sectional elevational view of another embodiment of the laryngoscope of this invention showing internal components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 , the laryngoscope 10 is comprised of an integral unit consisting of a handle 12 and a blade 16 that are in a fixed position. The laryngoscope includes an endoscopic camera or imaging device 25 that is connected to a camera cable 15. The imaging device includes a source of illumination within its housing 20 in the form of one or more LEDs 27, as is shown in greater detail in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the laryngoscope which illustrates the insertion point 18 of the multiple-wire camera cable 15 which may extend directly from the insertion point 18 to an external monitor. As is shown in FIG. 3 the handle 12 may have a posterior groove 14 into which the camera cable 15 may inserted, if desired. The cable 15 may be slightly oversized for the groove 14 and when pressed into the groove will remain flush and secure within the groove and out of the operator's way. This allows for increased autonomy for the operator who is thereby given two options to arrange the cable so as not to interfere with the procedure being conducted. The cable 15 connects to or communicates with an external monitor, and will provide power to both the imaging and illumination sources for the video component via the cable 15.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8 , an imaging system is located near the end of the blade 16 and is situated within a housing 20 located within a walled-off move 22 inside the blade. The imaging system includes an endoscopic camera 25 situated within the housing 20 having a lens 32, and that is surrounded by LEDs 27 that serve the dual purpose of heating the lens 32 to reduce condensation and of illuminating tissue directly proximate to the blade of the laryngoscope. The camera 25 is connected directly to camera cable 15 which is carries a video signal received by an external monitor.

A difficulty that an operator mayace when attempting to obtain ideal views for the intubation procedure is that of a fogged lens of the endoscopic camera. To prevent fog and to provide illumination, LEDs 27 are built within the endoscopic camera housing 20 so as to provide a heated window and ensure that the illumination is near the intended target. The LEDs and endoscopic camera combination are placed within the device and are securely held in position.

The LEDs 27 are the source of illumination for the camera which, for purposes of defogging the lens 32, may be located adjacent the lens. In FIGS. 7 and 8 , the LEDs 27 are located within the housing 20 of the imaging device and provide illumination for the image being sent to the external monitor. Power is provided to the LEDs through the multiple-wire camera cable 15. The activated LEDs 27 produce heat within the housing 20, thus reducing or eliminating any fog and condensation that may form on the lens and compromise an operator's view of the tissue being encountered by the laryngoscope.

The endoscopic camera 25 is located within the posterior aspect of the blade and assumes the correct orientation by a guide that is bossed onto the camera. The camera is held securely in place within a housing 20 built into the blade and the cable 15 may be run up the back of the handle into the groove 14 or it pray extend from the posterior aspect of the blade depending on the operator's preference and/or clinical scenario. The camera is then securely fastened via sturdy threaded cable.

The laryngoscope of this invention also includes an attachment port 40 for a luer-compatible device which accepts a connection to a fluid reservoir which provides fluid to clean the lens 32. The end of the handle 12 contains a luer-fitting connector 40 which is flush with the base of the handle. FIG. 5 depicts a sectional view of the bier connection 40 that is integrated into the handle 12 of the laryngoscope. Fluid enters the handle from an external source such as a luer-compatible syringe or IV tubing and travels through the luer connection 40 into tubing 34 located the laryngoscope's handle 12. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tube 34 is coupled at either end via tube connectors 17 and situated within the guides 24 built into the blade of the device. The fluid travels through the handle and blade of the laryngoscope to a nozzle 30 from which it will be forcefully sprayed onto the lens 32. The fluid exits the nozzle as a jet (shown as 36 in FIG. 10 but which does not comprise part of the invention) and strikes the lens centrally in order to clear obstructions to the view of the image. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the laryngoscope has an internal tube 34 that runs from the luer connection 40 to the nozzle 30 to deliver a spray to the lens 32. In this embodiment, an operator can actuate the spray by operating a foot pedal or some other fluid pressurization mechanism known in the art (not shown) to deliver a liquid spray through the tube 34 and onto the camera lens 32 for the purpose of clearing the visual field. The luer-fitting connector 40 within the handle is compatible with syringes and IV tubing connectors that utilize the luer-connection interface. The internal tube 34 is sized to cause a small amount of fluid to be expelled from the nozzle 30 with sufficient force to clear the visual field of the lens of the camera.

In the drawings the laryngoscope is shown with an upward curving blade such as the traditional Macintosh kyle blade but can also be produced with a straight blade such as the traditional Miller design without compromising the features of the invention claimed herein. The system is composed of rigid plastic that is intended for disposal, but the system is not limited to this option.

The liquid jet spraying system is compatible with multiple delivery systems within a healthcare setting due to its leer-fitting connector. This connector is compatible with many commonly used leer-connection interfaces such as syringes, IV extension tubing, or even IV tubing connectors, thereby allowing for flexibility and ease of choice for the operator depending on the clinical scenario.

In the alternative embodiments depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the laryngoscope may be physically untethered from external devices such as a monitor or an external source of cleansing liquid. Such alternative embodiments may be desirable in non-hospital environments when emergency situations call for immediate intubation under field conditions. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , video signals may be sent to an external monitor using a Bluetooth or comparable wireless medium utilizing a small transmission circuit 42. Power may be furnished to the LEDs and imaging device through a small, replaceable or rechargeable battery 50 situated in the handle.

Cleansing liquid may be held within a disposable or multiple-use bladder 52 internal to the laryngoscope, and can be delivered by applying pressure to the bladder 52 by a flexible, removable membrane 54 or through any other mechanism known in the art. These components may be enclosed within a removable handle 12, and may be used with a disposable blade 16. Connection of the handle 12 to the blade 16 can be achieved with a twisting or other conventional connection. Aligned contacts or external connectors may be used for electrical conductivity and fluid transfer, and all components within a handle may be maintained and replaced as necessary.

In field environments in which an external source of cleaning fluid is available (such as EMT vehicles), a leer-connection to such external source may be used to deliver the fluid to the laryngoscope, as indicated in FIG. 9 .

While the present invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, other conventional connections may be substituted for the luer-connection described herein; and other wireless communications systems may be used to transmit the image from the endoscopic camera to an external monitor. The foregoing description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for inspecting a patient's throat with a disposable laryngoscope, the disposable laryngoscope comprising an imaging apparatus and a fluid distribution apparatus, the method comprising: for the imaging apparatus: providing an imager enclosure portion disposed along a length of a blade portion of the disposable laryngoscope and having an aperture portion disposed near a distal end of the imager enclosure portion; providing an imaging device at least partially enclosed by the imager enclosure portion and configured to capture light passing through the aperture portion; providing a transparent physical barrier disposed across the aperture portion; and imaging a targeted region in the patient's throat by the imaging device; and for the fluid distribution apparatus: receiving fluid at a fluid intake connector disposed in a handle portion of the disposable laryngoscope; transporting the received fluid through an internalized channel further disposed in the handle portion to a fluid distribution network disposed in the blade portion, the fluid distribution network being supported by periodically spaced tube guides along the length of the blade; transporting the received fluid through the fluid distribution network to a fluid output aperture; dispensing the transported fluid from the fluid output aperture to a distal surface of the transparent physical barrier; and cleaning the distal surface of the transparent physical barrier with fluid pressure from the dispensed fluid.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: illuminating the targeted region with an illumination device, the illumination device being at least partially enclosed by the imager enclosure portion.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: securing an imaging device cable in a posterior groove disposed on the handle portion.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: operating the disposable laryngoscope in either of a direct laryngoscope or a video laryngoscope operational mode.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein operating the disposable laryngoscope in the video laryngoscope operational mode does not entail the use of a stylet.
 6. A method of imaging a patient's throat comprising: providing a laryngoscope comprising (i) a handle having an internalized fluid channel between a fluid intake connector and a tube assembly disposed in the blade, and (ii) a blade having an enclosure disposed along a length of the blade, an aperture disposed near a distal end of the enclosure and configured to allow light to enter the enclosure, an imaging device at least partially enclosed by the enclosure, a transparent aperture window configured to provide a transparent physical barrier disposed across the aperture, and a fluid delivery portion configured to deliver fluid to an external surface of the transparent aperture window; securing a flexible tube at either end to the blade via tube connectors, a first tube end being connected with the internalized fluid channel to receive fluid, and a second tube end being connected to a fluid output aperture in the fluid delivery portion to dispense the received fluid; and supporting the flexible tube along the length of the blade by periodically spaced tube guides.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising illuminating a target area of a surface exterior to the transparent aperture window.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising removing condensation from the transparent aperture window via a heating element.
 9. The method of claim 6, further comprising removing condensation from the transparent aperture window via one or more light emitting diodes.
 10. The method of claim 6, further comprising releasably attaching the handle to the blade.
 11. The method of claim 6, further comprising transporting fluid to the blade via the internalized fluid channel.
 12. The method of claim 6, further comprising capturing light passing through the aperture via the imaging device.
 13. The method of claim 6, further comprising capturing light passing through the aperture via the imaging device.
 14. The method of claim 6, further comprising delivering fluid from the fluid output aperture to an external surface of the transparent aperture window.
 15. A method of imaging a patient's throat comprising: providing a laryngoscope comprising (i) a handle having an internalized fluid chemical between a fluid intake connector and a tube assembly disposed in the blade, and (ii) a blade having an enclosure disposed along a length of the blade, an aperture disposed near a diesel end of the enclosure and configured to allow light to enter the enclosure, an imaging device at least partially enclosed by the enclosure, a transparent aperture window configured to provide a transparent physical barrier deposed across the aperture, and a fluid delivery portion configured to deliver fluid to an external surface of the transparent aperture window; securing a flexible tube at either end to the blade via tube connectors, a first tube end being connected with the internalized fluid channel to receive fluid, and a second tube end being connected to a fluid output aperature in the fluid delivery portion to dispense the received fluid; wherein securing the flexible tube comprises securing flexible tube having a first diameter that is greater than a cross-sectional area of the fluid output aperture. 